Method for parsing emails

ABSTRACT

A method of parsing an email includes receiving an email and determining whether the email includes a response history. Based on the response history, the email is parsed. A computer usable medium including computer readable code and a system including means for accomplishing similar actions is also disclosed

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (docket AUS920050465 9000/99) filed concurrently herewith, and the entirety of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to emails. More specifically, the invention relates to parsing emails.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic communications using email are a popular method of communication between users. Many users of email send and receive megabytes worth of email on a daily basis—a fact that can strain network bandwidth, as well as storage facilities.

Exacerbating the difficulties inherent in facilitating email communication is email history, especially multiple levels of history. Many email programs either automatically or by virtue of a user's setting automatically include all history in a current email chain. In an extensive chain of emails, including forwarded emails and replies, an individual email can quickly require significant bandwidth and storage for aged or dated information.

Manually deleting history can reduce this problem, but many users either do not engage in this additional effort, or do not worry about any strain on the network. Further, many users do not perceive any value gained by pruning history, and others simply do not grasp how sizable an email becomes after multiple responses. Similarly, a strict bar on including history can have unintentional and undesired effects, including potentially stifling communication while adding to a user's workload.

A technology that can identify the history within an email would assist in obtaining improved system performance.

As used throughout this disclosure, the term ‘levels’, as applied to discussing levels of email history, means at least a portion of a discrete response that was previously sent by one user of an email system to at least one other user of the email system. An email can contain no levels of response history, or any number of levels. The ‘first level’of response history is the first response to an originating email—an email that is not a reply or forward. Similarly, the ‘second level’ of response history is a response or forward of the first level.

It is therefore a challenge to develop a method to parse emails to overcome these, and other, disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of the present invention is a method for parsing emails including receiving an email and determining whether the email includes a response history. The email is then parsed based on the response history.

A second embodiment of the present invention is a computer usable medium including computer readable code for parsing emails including computer readable code for receiving an email and computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history. The medium further includes computer readable code for parsing the email based on the response history.

A third embodiment of the present invention is a system for parsing emails including means for receiving an email and means for determining whether the email includes a response history. The system further includes means for parsing the email based on the response history.

The foregoing embodiment and other embodiments, objects, and aspects as well as features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an email including response history;

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method for parsing email in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a method 100 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 100 begins at step 110. Any of the inventive methods disclosed herein may be performed in any order, and the order in which the method steps are described does not limit the order in which the steps can be performed.

Method 100 continues at step 120 by receiving an email. In one embodiment, the email is received at a personal computer. In another embodiment, the email is received at a mail server, either prior to delivery to at least one recipient, or prior to receipt by at least one recipient. In one embodiment, the email is received by method 100 prior to transmission from a user's personal computer as a result of a ‘send’ command. In another embodiment, the email is received by a server prior to transmission over a network but after a user submits a ‘send’ command. In another embodiment, the email is received from a public network of computers, such as the Internet, for transmission to a user via a local, or private, network.

Having received an email, method 100 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 120. Determining whether the email includes a response history includes examining the email for factors or markers that indicate that the email includes at least one section of response history. In one embodiment, method 100 determines whether an email header includes information sufficient to identify the response history. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary email including a main email, an email with response history, an email with two levels of embedded response history, and an email with one level of response history at 101. As shown, the emails are in reverse order of send date, with the most recent email listed first.

Additionally, determining whether the email includes a response history at step 120 can include a number of additional steps, examples of which are as described more fully below.

The email is parsed based on the response history at step 130. Parsing the email based on response history identifies, and in some embodiments, labels and/or marks, each section of response history contained within the email.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a method 200 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 200 begins at step 210. An email is received at step 220. In one embodiment, step 220 is implemented as in step 120. Method 200 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 230. In one embodiment, step 230 is implemented as in step 130.

In method 200, determining whether the email includes a response history is also implemented by locating a top indicator, and at least one sub indicator. An ‘indicator’ is any indication, such as a code, format, tag, or the like, within the email body or the email header that at least a portion of the email includes a response history. A ‘top’ indicator is the first indicator located in an email as viewed from the top down. A ‘sub’ indicator is any indicator that follows the top indicator.

At step 240, method 200 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 240 is implemented as step 140.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a method 300 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 300 begins at step 310. An email is received at step 320. In one embodiment, step 320 is implemented as in step 120. Method 300 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 330. In one embodiment, step 330 is implemented as in step 130. At step 340, method 300 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 340 is implemented as step 140.

At step 350, method 300 determines whether the top indicator comprises a larger number of indicators than the at least one sub indicator. If the top indicator comprises a larger number of indicators than at least one sub indicator, such a fact indicates that the email includes more than one level of response history. Since many emails include a specific indicator, such as a tag or a non-alphanumeric code (such as ‘<’ or ‘|’ or ‘%’ or ‘#’) to indicate that a particular block of data is a particular level of response history, the number of indicators can support a determination of response history level. Additionally, the number of specific indicators can indicate the level of response history. For example, a single indicator indicates a first level of response history, while 3 sequential indicators indicates a third level of response history.

For example, if reviewing a particular email reveals that the top indicator includes 3 indicators, and the sub indicators include two or fewer indicators, the email can then be sectioned into response histories for further analysis or processing. Such a finding would be indicative that the response history proceeds sequentially, and without embedded responses. Alternatively, if reviewing an email reveals that the top indicator includes 3 indicators while one of the sub indicators includes four indicators, the email includes at least one embedded response. As used herein, an “embedded response” is any communication that has been placed in the body of an earlier response.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the parsed email is further analyzed or processed. For example, the parsed email can be marked, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (AUS920050465 9000/99). In another example, at least one level of response history is removed from the email as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (AUS920050465 9000/99). Further, other processing, such as spell check or other applications can be executed on the email prior to, during, or after execution of the inventive methods herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a method 400 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 400 begins at step 410. An email is received at step 420. In one embodiment, step 420 is implemented as in step 120.

Method 400 determines a format of the received email at step 425. Emails include an identifiable format, often within the header of the email. For example, the format of email can be text. In another embodiment, the email is formatted as HTML, or another markup language, such as XML. In one embodiment, identifying the format assists method 400 to determine what tag information is or can be available to discern an email history.

For example, emails formatted as text often feature a non-alphanumeric character to denote sections of the email that are a response history. In another example, markup language format emails include tags illustrating information, such as response history information, about the email. For example, a markup language format email may include a SPAN class tag including a unique numeric identification indicative of a response history. In another embodiment, a blockquote tag indicates a response history. In yet another embodiment, a bitcount tag, indicative of the number of bits between tags can be used to determine whether information has been embedded since the bitcount was established.

Method 400 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 430. In one embodiment, step 430 is implemented as in step 130. At step 440, method 400 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 440 is implemented as step 140.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a method 500 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 500 begins at step 510. An email is received at step 520. In one embodiment, step 520 is implemented as in step 120. A format of the email is determined at step 525. In one embodiment, step 525 is implemented as in step 425. Method 500 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 530. In one embodiment, step 530 is implemented as in step 130.

Method 500 searches for at least one line within the email that begins with a number of symbols that is not followed by at least one line that begins with fewer symbols, based on a determination that the email is a text format email at step 535. In one embodiment, the symbol is a non-alphanumeric symbol, such as ‘<’ or ‘|’.

At step 540, method 500 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 540 is implemented as step 140.

Based on a determination, from step 535, that at least one line begins with a number of symbols that is greater than the number of symbols in any line following that line, method 500, in one embodiment, concludes that there is no embedded response in the email following that line with the greatest number of symbols.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a method 600 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 600 begins at step 610. An email is received at step 620. In one embodiment, step 620 is implemented as in step 120. A format of the email is determined at step 625. In one embodiment, step 625 is implemented as in step 425. Method 600 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 630. In one embodiment, step 630 is implemented as in step 130.

Method 600 searches for at least one tag configured to generate a number of reply indicators that is not followed by at least one tag configured to generate a fewer number of reply indicators, based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email at step 635. In one embodiment, the tag is a non-alphanumeric symbol, such as ‘<’ or ‘|’. In other embodiments, the tag is a blockquote tag. In another embodiment, the tag is a SPAN class tag.

At step 640, method 600 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 640 is implemented as step 140.

Based on a determination, from step 635, that at least one tag is generated to generate a number of reply indicators that is greater than the number of reply indicators generated by any tag following that tag, method 600, in one embodiment, concludes that there is no embedded response in the email following that tag.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a method 700 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 700 begins at step 710. An email is received at step 720. In one embodiment, step 720 is implemented as in step 120. A format of the email is determined at step 725. In one embodiment, step 725 is implemented as in step 425. Method 700 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 730. In one embodiment, step 730 is implemented as in step 130.

Method 700 searches for at least one close blockquote tag that is not followed by at least one open blockquote tag, based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email at step 735.

At step 740, method 700 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 740 is implemented as step 140.

Based on a determination, from step 735, that at least one close blockquote tag is not followed by an open blockquote tag, method 700, in one embodiment, concludes that there is no embedded response in the email following that tag.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a method 800 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 800 begins at step 810. An email is received at step 820. In one embodiment, step 820 is implemented as in step 120. A format of the email is determined at step 825. In one embodiment, step 825 is implemented as in step 425. Method 800 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 830. In one embodiment, step 830 is implemented as in step 130.

Method 800 searches for a first class indicator that is not followed by a second class indicator prior to a close class indicator associated with the first class indicator, based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email at step 835.

At step 840, method 800 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 840 is implemented as step 140.

Based on a determination, from step 835, that the first class indicator is not followed by a second class indicator prior to a close class indicator associated with the first class indicator, method 800, in one embodiment, concludes that there is no embedded response in the email following that tag.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a method 900 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 900 begins at step 910. An email is received at step 920. In one embodiment, step 920 is implemented as in step 120. A format of the email is determined at step 925. In one embodiment, step 925 is implemented as in step 425. Method 900 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 930. In one embodiment, step 930 is implemented as in step 130.

Method 900 offers a user a manual parsing function based on a determination that the email includes at least one tag configured to generate a first non-default text color that is followed by at least one tag configured to generate a second non-default text color that differs from the first non-default text color that is not followed by a tag configured to generate the first non-default text color, based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email at step 935. A manual parsing function can be implemented using a text based, or GUI, interface, and present the user of an email system with the option to parse the email for response history manually.

At step 940, method 900 parses the email based on the determined response history. In one embodiment, step 940 is implemented as step 140.

Based on a determination, from step 935, that the email includes multiple non-default text colors, method 900, in one embodiment, concludes that it cannot determine the presence of an embedded response, and presents the user with a manual parsing function. In other embodiments, methods in accordance with the invention can present the user with a manual parsing function in response to other determinations relating to the format of the email.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a method 1000 for parsing email in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Method 1000 begins at step 1010. An email is received at step 1020. In one embodiment, step 1020 is implemented as in step 120. Method 1000 determines whether the email includes a response history at step 1030. In one embodiment, step 1030 is implemented as in step 130. The email is parsed based on the response history at step 1040.

At step 1050, method 1000 stores the response history in memory that is in electronic communication with the email server. In one embodiment, storing the response history includes storing a count of the number of response histories and at least one character position for each response history. In another embodiment, a bitcount associated with the email is stored. In yet another embodiment, each individual response history is linked, and stored separately. Storing the response history can be implemented substantially simultaneously with the transmission of an email from a user to an email server, or transmission of the email from the email server to a user. In another embodiment, storing the response history is executed on regular or irregular intervals such as with the use of a batch file or as a part of system maintenance. In another embodiment, storing the response history comprises adding a link to the email to link to the stored response history for additional access to the response history.

The teachings and disclosures of this invention can be implemented in any email format. Such formats includes, but are not limited to, POP3, IMAP, MAPI, Lotus Domino, Lotus Notes, and the like.

While the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred embodiments, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A method of parsing an email, the method comprising: receiving an email; determining whether the email includes a response history; and parsing the email based on the response history.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises locating a top indicator and at least one sub indicator.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein parsing the email based on the response history comprises determining whether the top indicator comprises a larger number of tags than the at least one sub indicator.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the tags are a series of non-alphanumeric symbols.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving an email comprises determining a format of the email.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises searching for at least one line within the email that begins with a number of symbols that is not followed by at least one line that begins with fewer symbols based on a determination that the email is a text format email.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises searching for at least one tag configured to generate a number of reply indicators that is not followed by at least one tag configured to generate a fewer number of reply indicators based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the reply indicator is selected from the group consisting of a vertical line, a blockquote tag and a non-alphanumeric character.
 9. The method of claim 5 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises searching for a close blockquote tag that is not followed by an open blockquote tag.
 10. The method of claim 5 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises searching for a first class indicator that is not followed by a second class indicator prior to a close class indicator associated with the first class indicator.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein determining whether the email includes a response history comprises offering a user a manual parsing function based on a determination that the email includes at least tag configured to generate a first non-default text color that is followed by at least one tag configured to generate a second non-default text color that differs from the first non-default text color based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email.
 12. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing the parsed email, wherein the storing comprises storing a count of the number of response histories and at least one character position for each response history.
 13. A computer usable medium including computer readable code for parsing an email, the medium comprising: computer readable code for receiving an email; computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history; and computer readable code for parsing the email based on the response history.
 14. The medium of claim 1 wherein computer readable code for receiving an email comprises computer readable code for determining a format of the email.
 15. The medium of claim 5 wherein computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history comprises computer readable code for searching for at least one line within the email that begins with a number of symbols that is not followed by at least one line that begins with fewer symbols based on a determination that the email is a text format email.
 16. The medium of claim 5 wherein computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history comprises computer readable code for searching for at least one tag configured to generate a number of reply indicators that is not followed by at least one tag configured to generate a fewer number of reply indicators based on a determination that the email is a markup language format email.
 17. The medium of claim 5 wherein computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history comprises computer readable code for searching for a close blockquote tag that is not followed by an open blockquote tag.
 18. The medium of claim 5 wherein computer readable code for determining whether the email includes a response history comprises computer readable code for searching for a first class indicator that is not followed by a second class indicator wherein the first class indicator and the second class indicator are the same indicator.
 19. The medium of claim 1 further comprising computer readable code for storing the parsed email, wherein the computer readable code for storing comprises computer readable code for storing a count of the number of response histories and at least one character position for each response history.
 20. A system for parsing an email, the medium comprising: means for receiving an email; means for determining whether the email includes a response history; and means for parsing the email based on the response history. 